The G word. Maybe your provider recommended glutathione or you have read about its benefits online. Regardless, glutathione (pronounced glue-tah-thigh-own) is worth familiarizing yourself with. As the body’s master antioxidant, it is essential for your wellbeing. Glutathione is a simple molecule in the body made of three amino acids. Glutathione works to bind toxins and protect against damage from free radicals. Working on cellular function at all levels, it can help with mitochondrial function, hormones, immune function, and everything between. Trust me when I say you need some glutathione in your life.
Your body produces glutathione, but aging and chronic illness depletes your body’s levels. Bummer, right? Not to worry–we’ve got your back. Although glutathione can be taken orally, there is some debate on its effectiveness. A more effective method of glutathione supplementation exists in intravenous and intramuscular injections. At Nebraska Functional Medicine, we offer both routes. You can receive an injection in the arm that takes just a few minutes (but be warned, you may have a sore arm for a few hours following the injection). Another option is a glutathione infusion or as an add-on to your IV. Depending on the dosage you’re receiving, it will take 10-30 minutes. If you’re new to glutathione, we suggest starting at our lowest dosage (1,000mg) and working your way up.
While some people notice almost immediate results, some will experience the “glut flu”, or Herxheimer reaction. When this happens, you may actually feel a tad bit worse before feeling better. But this is a great sign! We see this as your body doing some intense healing and detoxifying so you can thrive. Along with its important detoxification properties, glutathione can help slow the aging process, improve mental clarity, and increase athletic performance. What’s not to love? Call the clinic to schedule or if you have more questions! We look forward to your first gluta-something experience!
